Lions Update - Wellington Team News

Lions flanker Lewis Moody faces a race against time to be fit for first Test contention against New Zealand next week.

The Leicester forward has withdrawn from his place on the bench for Wednesday's clash against Wellington, when he will be replaced by his England colleague Richard Hill.

The Lions confirmed Moody had suffered an injury to his left knee in training, but the apparent seriousness was not revealed until coach Gareth Jenkins spoke to the media in Wellington on Tuesday.

Jenkins revealed that Moody is "out of the selection process" for next Saturday's game against Otago in Dunedin, and that will seriously hamper his Test prospects, given the Lions boss Sir Clive Woodward is likely to have finalised his first choice line-up by early next week.

Moody has not travelled to Wellington, remaining behind at the squad's Christchurch base for further tests.

Three players - Lawrence Dallaglio, Malcolm O'Kelly and Simon Taylor - have already been ruled out of the tour because of injuries.

The possible loss of Moody would be a huge blow, given his versatility at blindside and openside flanker, but it would appear the signs are not good.

Prop Andrew Sheridan, meanwhile, is battling to overcome an ankle injury sustained against the New Zealand Maori last Saturday, raising doubts about his prospects of being fit to face Otago. Like Moody, Sheridan is a serious candidate for the Lions' Test 22.

Ed Slater took part in his first training session with his new team-mates on Tuesday morning, and told GRTV afterwards that a few familiar faces will help him settle in quickly ahead of an exciting season.

GRTV caught up with Gloucester Rugby's new signing Jason Woodward during his first week of preseason at the club. The new face spoke of his delight to be at the club, and in familiar surroundings of Hartpury College

Stephen Thomas, a regular at Gloucester Rugby's Walking Rugby sessions is in line for a top prize after being nominated for Premiership Rugby's BREAKTHRU Achiever of the Year award. He admitted to GRTV to being shocked and humbled by the news.

After a long build-up, Gloucester's Ross Moriarty made his first appearance in a British & Irish Lions shirt on Saturday. Speaking after the game, he admitted that it was good to finally get into action.

Lewis Ludlow, who has enjoyed a fine personal season, admitted to massive disappointment after the loss to Stade Francais but looked to draw positives before thanking the Gloucester fans for their support.

Friday evening will see Matt Scott return to Murrayfield, a venue he is very familiar with. Speaking ahead of the final, he admitted that he's incredibly excited about the European Rugby Challenge Cup Final against Stade Francais.